Week of September 14: Back To School

By Sylvia Gurinsky

The new school year is already a few weeks old, but it's a good time to take a look back at television's classic shows set in schools:

*"Our Miss Brooks," CBS, 1952-56: One of the television series that evolved from a radio show, "Our Miss Brooks" starred Eve Arden as Connie Brooks, an English teacher at Madison High. The show also featured Gale Gordon, who would later work on Lucille Ball's last three shows, and a young Richard Crenna. Here's a look:

Space, Who Needs It?


*"Mr. Novak," NBC, 1963-65: Made by some of the people (including producer Leonard Freeman) who would later be behind the scenes on "Hawaii Five-0," the drama "Mr. Novak" starred James Franciscus as idealistic teacher John Novak and Dean Jagger as Principal Albert Vane (Burgess Meredith starred in 16 episodes as Principal Martin Woodridge.). The show tackled serious issues that still resonate:

The Tender Twigs

*"Room 222," ABC, 1969-74: Lloyd Hanes, Denise Nicholas and Emmy winners Karen Valentine and Michael Constantine starred in this ABC dramedy about the goings-on at Walt Whitman High. With a lighter tone (and a winning theme song by Jerry Goldsmith), this show continued what "Mr. Novak" started with diversity and relevant themes:

Walt Whitman Goes Bananas

*"The White Shadow," CBS, 1978-81: Created by Bruce Paltrow (Gwyneth's dad), the drama "The White Shadow" starred Ken Howard as Kenny Reeves, NBA player-turned-high school coach, with one of the most diverse casts in television history. The show coincided with the rise of both professional and college basketball in the national consciousness. This episode featured Michael Warren, soon to be on "Hill Street Blues":

Wanna Bet?

*"Head of the Class," ABC, 1986-90: Through most of the series, Howard Hesseman ("WKRP in Cincinnati") played Charlie Moore, teacher of gifted students at Monroe High School. The show also featured Robin Givens as one of the students. Here's a clip with a very smart actor playing a very dumb guy:

Brad Pitt

"Our Miss Brooks" and the first two seasons of both "Room 222" and "The White Shadow" are available on DVD.

Class is in session.

Until next week, Happy Viewing!